“The Next Century Will Be the Century of Africa”

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan held a joint press conference with President Adam Barrows of the Gambia at the Presidential Complex.

“TIKA CONDUCTED MANY PROJECTS IN GAMBIA”

“We have discussed various topics, including our bilateral relations and regional issues. And we have exhibited a will to boost our bilateral relations,” President Erdoğan said.

Noting that the legal ground for economic and commercial relations have been finalized to a great extent, which will provide great opportunities in the upcoming period, President Erdoğan said: “In this regard, we attach great importance to the office, the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) will open in Banjul.”

“TIKA has conducted many projects in the Gambia in the areas of healthcare, livestock, agriculture and security,” President Erdoğan recalled. “Following the inauguration of this office, Turkey’s support will further increase.”

“120 GAMBIAN STUDENTS STUDY IN TURKEY”

“Turkey also helps the Gambia in terms of qualified human resources, which is a major need in the Gambia. Every year, tens of Gambian students come Turkey to study under the Türkiye Scholarships program. Currently, there are 120 Gambian students, who continue their undergraduate, graduate or post-graduate studies in Turkey in the fields of agriculture, engineering, medicine, economy and education,” President Erdoğan said.

“We encourage our private sector to increase their investments in and boost bilateral trade with the Gambia. And, the Gambia offers strong support to Turkish businesspeople,” President Erdoğan said.

“GAMBIA HAS BEEN THE FIRST COUNTRY IN AFRICA TO CLOSE DOWN FETO SCHOOLS”

Hailing the Gambia’s determined support to Turkey in its fight against the FETO, President Erdoğan said: “Gambia has been the first country in the African continent, which closed down FETO schools. I would like to thank the Gambian government.” “FETO is an organization that does not hesitate to spill blood for its self-serving interests and it poses a danger to all the countries it has a presence in. The sooner our African friends take measures against the organization, the better it will be for themselves, their children and their future.” Pointing out that the Maarif Foundation has taken over the FETO schools in many countries, President Erdoğan said: “The Turkish Maarif Foundation’s primary school was inaugurated last September in Banjul. I thank the Gambian government for their support to the school.”

“Within the framework of our talks, we have signed a cooperation agreement in the sphere of education, which will further contribute to the cooperation between our two countries and culturally bring together our peoples.”

“TURKEY IS THE VOICE OF AFRICA ON MANY INTERNATIONAL PLATFORMS”

“I closely follow the developments across the continent within the framework of Turkey’s Partnership Policy with Africa,” President Erdoğan said. “We declared the year 2005 the African year and since then our relations with Africa continued to grow stronger.” Recalling that Turkey used to have 12 embassies in Africa, President Erdoğan noted that we now have 41 embassies across the continent.

“Turkey has been, and will continue to be, the voice of Africa on many international platforms. In addition to humanitarian aid, Turkey supports the African countries through social development projects and capacity expansion.

“The fundamental principle of our Partnership Policy with Africa is to produce African solutions to African problems. We by no means approve of the contemptuous and interventionist attitude toward the countries in the African continent. We also do not welcome the development of new dependent models in terms of economic relations. Our cooperation with Africa is based on mutual respect, equal partnership, justice and win-win. Other approaches have no validity in our eyes. As I always say, the next century will be the century of Africa. In line with this vision, our country is determined to advance its cooperation with African countries. The visit we will pay to West Africa in the early days of next month will be the strongest sign of our will.”

“TURKISH-GAMBIAN COOPERATION CONTINUE ON INTERNATIONAL PLATFORMS”

“The cooperation between Turkey and the Gambia continues not only at a bilateral level but on international platforms,” President Erdoğan said. “As the Islamic countries are faced with serious challenges, the Gambia will take over as the Summit Chair of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation after us. We are glad that we will hand over the duty to safe hands. We will continue to offer them all kinds of support and assistance.”

“I am happy to have President Barrow and his delegation at the Presidential Complex. I hope his visit will bring about auspicious results for our two countries and the region,” President Erdoğan said.

PRESIDENT BARROW OF GAMBIA: “TURKEY HAS ALWAYS BEEN AN EXEMPLARY COUNTRY”

Referring to Shakespeare’s “Some are born great”, President Barrow, for his part, said: “Turkey was born great from the first day. In terms of flora and fauna, it is one of the most beautiful places on Earth. And in terms of architecture and technology, it is one of the most advanced countries on Earth.”

“Turkey has always been a good example and inspiration,” President Barrow said.

Following the joint press conference, President Erdoğan hosted an official dinner at the Presidential Complex in honor of President Barrow.